Our team

Thanks to skilled, professional and empathetic staff members, our programs develop extensive guidance for the family and deep professional support to the children and adolescents who are facing social and/or behavioral problems.

The Solution for Families | Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Clinical Director

Sonnee Stanley, M.Ed., LMFT

Sonnee Stanley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an AAMFT aproved supervisor. She has been providing mental health services to youth and their families since 2008. Sonnee received her Bachelors in Sociology/Sexuality in 2006 and her Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy in 2009 from Western Kentucky University (go Hilltoppers).

She began her career as a Marriage and Family Therapist providing in-home therapy to at-risk youth in Louisville, KY. Sonnee then began work as a Licensed Professional Counselor in West Virginia at the local community health center. Here she provided a link between the local and state governances on gaps in mental health services for youth through her role as the Child and Adolescent Liaison. She also provided therapy to youth and their families and supervision and training to staff as the Children’s Department Director.

While in Louisiana, Sonnee has been the Program Manager of a non-profit agency which provided grief education and support services to East Baton Rouge students during school hours. She currently serves as the Clinical Director here at LSF-the Solution for Families. Sonnee is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as the Louisiana chapter, and she is Prepare/Enrich certified. She is very passionate about advocacy for human and animal rights, helping kiddos, and football.

Medical Psychologist/Medical Director

Robert Nevels, Ph.D., M.P.

Bob Nevels, Ph.D., M.P., is a medical psychologist who has practiced in Louisiana for several years and is board certified in medical psychology. He also is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Mississippi and is associated with The Counseling Center in Ridgeland. Dr. Nevels has practiced, supervised and taught psychopharmacology, biological psychology, clinical psychology and marriage and family therapy for over thirty years. He was an associate staff psychologist at the University of Mississippi Hospitals and Clinics for thirteen years. His research and theoretical papers on psychopharmacology; psychological, pharmacological and nutraceutical treatments for dementia; and, adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorders with comorbid aggression have been published in professional journals and popular literature; he has authored four chapters in textbooks and presented at international and national conferences. He is an approved supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy who trained at the Family Therapy Institute of Washington, D.C. In addition to his doctorate in psychology, he has master’s degrees in mathematics, philosophy, religion, clinical psychopharmacology, and counseling. He is a member of the Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychology, the American Psychological Association, the Mississippi Psychological Association and other professional organizations. He was one of five members of the Division 12 (Clinical Psychology) task force of the American Psychological Association that revised the definition of clinical psychology in conjunction with the release of DSM-5 in 2013. He also was a founding member of APA Division 55 - American Society for the Advancement of Pharmacotherapy. He is a clinical fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Office Manager

Maria Barrera

Maria is originally from El Paso Texas, and has been in Baton Rouge for the past year and a half. She has two beautiful daughters who are her world. In her free time, she loves to read, do things outdoors, shop, travel and most importantly spend quality time with her daughters. In the very near future (2017) Maria plans to return to school and finish her degree in Social Work. “I love working for LSF and what it stands for.”

Intake Coordinator

Erica Jones

Erica joined the LSF team as an Office Administrator in June 2017. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University and received a B.A in Communication. She enjoys helping others in the professional setting and performs a variety of jobs at LSF to assist and support other staff and our LSF families. Erica enjoys spending her time with her family and traveling.

Service Coordinator & Mental Health Professional

Jessica Castillo, M.S.

Jessica is from Puerto Rico and is currently working as a Mental Health Professional at La Solución Familiar, LLC. She moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana right after finishing her Pre-Doctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology in 2015. She currently holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Carlos Albizu University and is about to finish her doctoral degree. Jessica has experience providing mental health services to children, adolescents and adults for over four years. She is committed to providing the highest standard of quality care to the individuals, families and communities she serves and has the passion for improving their quality of life. Jessica speaks fluent English and Spanish, enjoys traveling, food and culture and does freelance photography in her spare time.

Service Coordinator & Licensed Mental Health Professional

Christi Lisenby-Hart, M.S., PLPC

Born and raised in North Carolina, Christi moved to Baton Rouge, La in 2008. She has a B.S. in Sociology and a M.S in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Christi’s passion for children and families is what made her decide to pursue a career in counseling. Christi’s motto is “The foundation starts at home and I would like to be the glue that helps families continue to build and maintain together".

Licensed Mental Health Professional

Arkeria Robertson, M.A., LPC

Arkeria is a proud resident of Louisiana. She is a two time graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, yes she’s an Xaverite, receiving her B.S. in Psychology in 2011 and M.A. in Counseling in 2015. “I am excited about the new experiences and growth I expect to see while working at LSF”.

Licensed Mental Health Professional

Amie Jackson, M.A., PLPC

Amie has been working with LSF since July 2017 providing excellent services to the families in our community.

Licensed Mental Health Professional

Brittany Robinson, M.A., PLPC

Brittany J. Robinson was born and raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and relocated to Baton Rouge, La in January 2008. Brittany is a Licensed Mental Health Professional that is correctly a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana. She currently is a two time alumna of Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College where she earned her a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology and a Masters of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling. Brittany has experience working individuals struggling with an array of mental health and behavioral health disorders. The quote she lives by is "our legacy is not about the degrees we have or the awards we receive, but more about the impact that we make on this community, city, state and entire world."

Licensed Mental Health Professional

Bryanca Coleman, M.A., PLPC

Bryanca A. Coleman is a native of Marrero, Louisiana and a Mental Health Professional that holds a license as Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana. She currently holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Child Development and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a graduate of Southern University A& M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana also known for its marching band "The Human Jukebox”. After graduation of her Bachelor’s degree, she began to work with individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders and co-occurring disorders. She lives by the quote, “The purpose of life is not to be happy, It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to have made a difference in someone's life.” Bryanca's hobbies include spending time with family, shopping, traveling, and going to the movies for relaxation. She also is a big fan of the" New Orleans Saints and Jaguar Nation".

Licensed Mental Health Professional

This could be You!, PLPC

Licensed Mental Health Professional

Raphaella G. Teixeira, M.A., PLPC

Raphaella is native from Brazil and has lived in the US for 10 years. She has lived in many states and most recently moved to Louisiana. She graduated with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and a concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy in 2016 from William James College in Newton, MA. She is also provisionally licensed in the state of Louisiana. Raphaella speaks Portuguese and Spanish in addition to English. She has a great passion for incorporating creative interventions to counseling and believes in the healing power of the arts.

Licensed Mental Health Professional

This could be YOU!, MSW, LMSW

Licensed Mental Health Professional

Vinita Martin, MSW, LMSW

Vinita is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She graduated from Belaire High School, Southern University A&M College, and from Southern University at New Orleans. She have worked in the behavioral health field since 2008. Vinita has worked as a HIV/AIDS Social Worker, Mental Health Professional and Multisystemic Therapist. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, her dog, taking long drives, and outdoor activities. “I am passionate about providing effective and quality services to families in which I serve.”

Mental Health Professional

Christina Rosaya, M.S.:

Christina Rosaya is a Mental Health Professional at LSF. Her graduate degree was received at Southern University in Rehabilitation Counseling and she was a member of Chi Sigma Iota the honor fraternity for counselors. As a graduate in Rehabilitation Counseling, for the last fourteen years, she has worked as an educator using counseling skills to work with inmates at Louisiana State Penitentiary and students and families mainly in the middle school setting. Her counseling skills have been utilized to encourage at-risk students, individuals, and families to improve their lives. Helping others has always been her number one goal.

Mental Health Professional

Coretta Diggs, M.S.

Coretta was born and raised in Louisiana. She obtained her Associates and Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from University of Phoenix. She went back to school to receive her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Walden University. “I love working with children and adults and providing tools for a better tomorrow.” In her spare time she loves spending time with her son and husband.

Mental Health Professional

Lynn Cannon, MSW, RSW

Lynn Cannon has over 4 year’s experience as a certified Social Worker. Born and raised in New Orleans, LA, Lynn attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA. She graduated in 2010 with a B.S. in Education. Her concentration was in Child, Family, and Social Services. Her Master’s Degree in Social Work followed from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA in 2013. Upon graduation from USC, she was immediately accepted to Capella University for the Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) program. Her concentration field is in Addictive Disorders. Professionally, Lynn has worked as a Social Worker for an elderly and disabled HUD housing community.She has also worked as a Substance Abuse social worker for a local Behavioral Hospital. Currently she is a social worker at a local Intensive Outpatient Program.She has served on numerous boards and committees serving the disabled, the elderly, the homeless and mental health populations.

Mental Health Professional

Oshia Joseph, M.Ed.

Oshia has been working with LSF since December 2015 providing excellent services to the families in our community.

Mental Health Professional

Pam Williams-Howard, M.Ed.

Pam has been working with LSF since October 2016 providing excellent services to the families in our community.

Mental Health Professional

Paula Kelly, M.Ed.

Paula C. Kelly was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana and has lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for almost twenty-five years. After graduating from Southern University, A&M in Baton Rouge, Paula begin her career as a Special Education teacher in East Baton Rouge Parish system, where she has worked for a little over thirteen years. After more than 10 years in the field of teaching, Paula returned back to school and earned a Master Degree in Special Education. As an experienced Special Education Teacher for the past 13 years, Paula has served in several capacities such as an Autism teacher, Community-Based Vocational teacher, Freedom School Reading Enrichment Lead teacher, Literacy After-School tutor, and just recently, School Site Lead Teacher for Exceptional Student Services. Most of all, Paula enjoys working as an advocate for her students and encouraging them to be the best individuals they can be. The field of education has afforded Paula the privilege to facilitate various jobs as a teacher, learning how to effectively manage a staff and implement conflict resolution strategies before problems evolve. Today, Paula also enjoys working as a Mental Health Counselor for LSF, in the community to help individuals dissolve unwanted behaviors and to provide clients with positive replacement therapy solutions. In Paula’s free time she enjoys reading, traveling, and going to the movies.

Mental Health Professional

Sonnie Jackson, M.S.

Sonnie Jackson is a graduate of Southern University A & M College. She is a Mental Health Professional here at LSF. She enjoys playing softball and spending time with her family and friends.

Mental Health Professional

TaLeah Murray, M.S.

TaLeah is a two-time graduate of Southern University of Baton Rouge, receiving her Bachelor’s of Science in 2003 and Master’s of Science in 2005. She has been working as a MHP for 6 years and loves it. She has also worked as a Recreational Therapist for 5 years and a Case Manager at an alternative school for 2 years. TaLeah is really passionate about helping kids, adults, and their families succeed in life. Helping others makes her feel as if she’s accomplishing something in her own life. TaLeah enjoys sending time with family/friends, traveling, shopping, and going out to dinner.

Mental Health Professional

This could be YOU!

Mental Health Specialist

Gwendolyn Smith, B.A.

Gwendolyn Wilson Smith is a native of Baton Rouge Louisiana andcomes from a large family. Gwendolyn graduated from Baker HighSchool, Southern University A&M College, and from Stephan’sBeauty Cosmetology College. She has worked for the East BatonRouge Parish School Board, FEMA, the Exxon Plant, Georgia Pacific,and various jobs dealing with social services and children. Throughouther career, she has worked in California, Alabama, Florida, SanFrancisco, Opelousas, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Houston, Atlanta andmany states and cities. Gwendolyn has two children and 4grandchildren. She enjoys reading, listening to music, going to themovies, swimming, baking, and cooking. She loves seafood, mustardgreens, cabbage, different salads and let’ not forget HOLIDAY FOOD!Gwendolyn believes in unity and love for one another and peace to allmen and women.

COLLEGE GRADUATE: CUM LAUDAMAJOR: SOCIAL SCIENCE MINOR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION/EDU.

Mental Health Specialist

Kathi Sanchez, B.S., M.A.

Kathi is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She moved to East Baton Rouge Parish after leaving New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina, and is currently in Ascension Parish. She has two wonderful children who are "truly a blessing to me". She is a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, where she received her Bachelors’ degree in Psychology. She also has a teaching certificate from Southern University at New Orleans and a Master Degree from the University of Phoenix in Education with a Specialization in Curriculum Technology. She is currently a school teacher. "I love teaching children. I love being able to help shape, mold, and guide them to becoming the best they can be. I truly believe children are a gift from God. With that being said, working with LSF is a perfect fit because this organization has a passion and commitment to guide, service, help, and mold young children/adults to becoming the best they can be as people."

Mental Health Specialist

Kimberly Daniels, B.S.

Kimberly has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently attaining her Master’s in Human Services with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling. “I have always had an extreme passion for understanding the human psyche and helping to be a good source of help, strength, hope and encouragement for others. The thought has always given me an empowering feeling that others would be able to pick up skills that they would be able to use and apply them to their lives. I am a new employee to LSF and looking forward to being trained into an excellent clinician and being able to be an instrument in lives of those I may help.”

Mental Health Specialist

Melvin Sanders, B.A., M.A.

Melvin has been working with LSF since March 2017 providing excellent services to the families in our community.